Oh, Christmas tree: Bakers decorate 20 trees for the holiday season

Florence — It's beginning to look like Christmas. And not since last December has it been merrier in the community.

Beginning in October, Beryl Baker began decorating about 20 trees to display to the public, ranging from small to larger sizes. In conjunction with other festivities during the season, she and her husband, Larry, open their home to residents from 1-4 p.m. Saturdays during December to display the Christmas trees at their home upstairs in the building at the southeast corner of Santa Fe and Main Street.

"I don't have as many trees this year," she said. "Most of them are smaller. The biggest one is (my) angel tree. That is about 7 or 8 feet. I decided to do more vignettes because I have a whole bunch of stuff to sit around instead of just hang."

This is one of Beryl and Larry Baker's themed Christmas trees in their home in Florence. (Charlotte Burrous / Daily Record)

She said she does not have a favorite this year, but she enjoys the Christmas tree that is decorated with donut ornaments and coffee cups that sits beside a police officer's motorcycle sculpture. She also enjoys the palm tree, which is decorated with lights and pink flamingos. One of the more unusual is the Christmas tree with silver spoons on it, which she also likes.

"When the sun comes in on it, it really is pretty," Baker said. "It shines."

She said she does not have the same thing every year. She's had angel trees before, but this year's version is different.

The idea of decorating the trees began several years ago after the Bakers renovated the loft overlooking Main Street in Florence.

"(I've been doing this) ever since we've had a place to put the trees," Baker continued. "We've had trees every year, but last year, (we had 25) trees. It's just fun. I enjoy doing the trees."

Normally, her family visits for a day to see the Christmas trees.

"We can open up the house and have parties so other people can see the trees too," Baker said. "It's a lot of work to put the trees up, and I want people to see them."

A palm tree with pink flamingos grace the home of Larry and Beryl Baker in Florence. (Charlotte Burrous / Daily Record)

During the month, the Bakers have not only opened their home, but have entertained many residents throughout the holiday season.

ODESSA, Texas (AP) — A West Texas man has been charged with impersonating an officer by using sirens and flashing lights to skip to the head of the drive-thru line at a fast-food restaurant. Full Story